Case Study

Achieving a bigger, higher profile through collaboration

"Every one of these young people does better in school and in life as a result of this afterschool effort." - Mayor Michael B. Coleman, City of Columbus

Where: Columbus, Ohio

Who: Museum opens doors to 1,500 afterschool students

Highlights:

Dynamic partnerships allowed organizers to put together a large-scale event and attract speakers such as Mayor Michael Coleman and former Ohio State University and Miami Dolphin football star Demetrius Stanley.

“Our event was very successful because it was truly a community event. Many organizations worked together to make it happen,” said Karen Jackson, former state coordinator for Ohio's Out-of-School Time Project, Action for Children and a 2003-2004 Afterschool Ambassador. “The most important thing is to be inclusive of all organizations—regardless of how much or how little they contribute. Also, have a firm budget and provide transportation.”

The Program:

COSI Columbus—a popular science museum—opened its doors to more than 1,500 students and adults from more than 40 programs for a fun-filled afternoon. Collaborative partners for the event included COSI, Communities in Schools, Cap City Kids, the Mayor's Office of Education, Action for Children, Children’s Hunger Alliance and the YMCA of Central Ohio.

Mayor Michael Coleman and former Ohio State University and Miami Dolphin football star Demetrius Stanley spoke at the event.

Information booths highlighted activities at local programs. Guests were able to tour the entire center.

Step teams and other performing artists entertained guests, as did mascots from the local professional teams.

In addition to the large event at COSI Columbus, Jackson hosted a highly successful Lights On Ohio Afterschool kickoff on October 3. It was part of Ohio's two-day statewide Out-of-School Time professional development conference, “Building a Brighter Future.”